As a member-owned cooperative, GreenStone is governed by members who have a vested interest in seeing GreenStone continue its successful mission of serving rural communities and agriculture. In that GreenStone is a member-owned cooperative, guided by a Board of Directors made up of individuals who are members and directly invested in our long-term success and our mission to support rural communities and agriculture. To strengthen oversight, the board includes six committees, each dedicated to key areas of the organization’s operations. In partnership with the GreenStone leadership team, these committees help maintain the cooperative’s financial stability, encourage responsiveness to industry changes and innovation, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold accountability to both members and employees. 

In the winter issue of Partners, three of our committee chairs (Audit, Finance, Technology) highlighted their perspective on their respective committees. In this issue, we feature the final three committees: Executive, Legislative and Public Policy, and Compensation. Here you’ll hear from these committee chairs and learn more on your cooperative’s strategic structure, focus, and leadership.  

Executive Committee:

 

GreenStone’s committee structure allows the board to have efficient oversight and meetings. Generally speaking, we conduct Board meetings quarterly, with committee meetings occurring prior to the scheduled board meeting. The committee structure results in excellent utilization of the board’s skill set and time. It also requires a level of trust between board members knowing that others are “doing the work” on important facets within the organization. This efficiency is enhanced by allowing committee members to dig much deeper into critical topics for the association; then, each of the committees’ work is rolled up and reported to the rest of the Board during the full board meeting.   

As board chair, one of my responsibilities is to chair the Executive Committee that consists of four members, including the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors and two other Board members. The Executive Committee’s purpose is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling our responsibilities for association oversight. We work with our CEO Travis Jones and his executive assistant, Cheryl Motz, to review and discuss GreenStone’s direction including vision, mission, and strategic objectives. We generally engage in discussions to surface ideas or programs to bring to the board for review and action, including evaluations and recommended bylaw changes. We also set the agenda and schedule for the meetings.  

Other responsibilities of the committee include reviewing and setting board policies, regulatory changes, and other governance-related activities; executing board and CEO evaluations; reviewing committee structures and assignments (we recently added a Technology Committee as highlighted in the Winter Partners issue); and overseeing the director election process including review of nominating regions … just to name a few!  

To summarize, the Executive Committee has been chosen by our fellow board members to help guide strategy and vision in a deeper dive with our CEO. Each and every committee provides critical insight and vision for our cooperative. I’m thankful for the great group of people that guide our association and hope you are proud to be a member of GreenStone! 

Compensation Committee:

 

Committees play in GreenStone’s success. Our committee focuses on ensuring fair and competitive compensation for leadership positions and staff, aligning pay structures with performance and member value. This work is critical because it helps attract and retain talented leaders who drive the cooperative forward. 

As Compensation Committee Chair, I lead discussions that balance financial responsibility with the need to reward excellence. We review market data, evaluate performance, and make recommendations that reflect both industry standards and GreenStone’s mission. It’s a thoughtful process that requires collaboration and transparency. 

Committees like ours allow the board to dive into specialized areas, providing informed guidance that strengthens overall governance. Members might be surprised by how much teamwork goes into these decisions—board members and staff work closely to ensure every recommendation is practical and fair. 

I’m proud to serve in this capacity because it supports GreenStone’s long-term stability and member trust. By focusing on fairness and accountability, we help create a structure that benefits everyone. Committees aren’t just about oversight—they’re about building a foundation for continued success. 

Legislative and Public Policy Committee:

 

The GreenStone Legislative and Public Policy Committee was formed to advocate for our Farm Credit members with governmental leaders. As farmers and rural consumers, all of our operations are different but we share a common goal of being profitable and sustainable for our families. This requires us to be active at the capitals in Lansing, Mich, Madison, Wis., and Washinton, D.C., as farm programs and legislation are brought forward that impact us.   

As the committee chair, I am blessed to have incredible GreenStone staff that do the hard work day-to-day monitoring what may impact our members. In addition, the other board members that serve on the Legislative Committee bring decades of experience that make it easy to share our story and our members’ focus when we visit with congressmen and senators.   

Having a committee solely focused on political actions like the Farm Bill in Washington, D.C., or CAFO legislation in Lansing allows us to report back to the entire board and our members before these matters impact our farms and rural communities. 

 

To view the article in the online 2026 Spring Partners Magazine, click here.

For Cassie Hribek, farming was never a career she had to choose. It is who she is. 

A fourth-generation farmer from Bay County, Michigan, Cassie grew up immersed in the rhythms of her family’s farm, working alongside her dad from an early age.  

“I started working with my dad as a toddler,” said Cassie. “Farming just always felt natural to me. It’s what I grew up around, and what I love to do now.” 

Many of her peers experienced the common cases of existential uncertainty as they transitioned from high school to the real world, struggling to choose which path to take. Cassie never hesitated. 

“Farming was never really something I had to decide on,” she said. “I just knew that’s what I was going to do.” 

 

Honoring Family Tradition While Building Something New 

 

Cassie’s family farm has been in operation for four generations, and she grew up right where it all started. Today, she still lives close to home — so close, in fact, when she looks out the window of her living room, she can see the farm where she was raised. 

Honoring her family’s legacy has always been important to her, but Cassie was also determined to carve out her own unique place within it. 

Cassie began farming immediately after graduating from high school. She gradually acquired land and began building her own operation. Early on, getting access to enough land to support a profitable farm was difficult — even for a fourth-generation farmer with family support and a strong knowledge of the industry. 

“You think you’ll never get enough (land) to make a go of it,” said Cassie. “But it does happen. You just pick up a little more here and there.” 

Credibility through Experience 

Cassie is part of a growing generation of women in agriculture. While she’s quick to acknowledge there are many women farmers today, she recognizes running her own independent operation still sets her apart. 

“Sometimes people don’t take women quite as serious as they take men,” she said. “But once people get to know you and your operation, the respect is there.” 

For Cassie, credibility has come from experience, consistency, and results — not from trying to prove a point. Over time, her relationships have grown stronger, and her operation speaks for itself. 

“Cassie embodies the very spirit of a woman in agriculture. While she works alongside her dad, and is also married to a full-time farmer. What truly stands out is the strength and pride she brings to running an operation entirely her own,” said Mike Schwab, VP of lending at GreenStone’s Bay City branch. “Cassie’s natural leadership is unmistakable. I look forward to supporting her as she becomes the next generation of her family’s farming legacy.” 

The Desk is as Important as the Tractor 

Like many producers today, Cassie knows modern farming requires just as much business acumen as it does time in the field. Rising land values, high equipment costs, and fluctuating commodity prices make every decision count. 

“Everything costs a lot,” she said. “If you want to be successful, you definitely need to spend some time at the desk.” 

Strategic decisions — such as purchasing late-model used equipment instead of buying brand new — have helped Cassie and her family’s operations continue to grow while managing costs.  

Despite the stress and uncertainty that can come with farming, Cassie finds deep fulfillment in her work.  

“It can be pretty stressful at times,” she said. “But it’s also very rewarding.” 

Partnering with GreenStone 

When Cassie took her first steps toward running her own operation, having the right financial partner made all the difference. When the time came to purchase farmland, she turned to GreenStone — leaning on her family’s long standing relationship with the cooperative. “GreenStone is a great fit for beginning and young farmers,” said Cassie. “They just get it.” 

Cassie’s experience reflects the mission of GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth program — to support young, beginning, and small farmers as they establish and grow their operations. From land financing to crop insurance and Patronage dividends, GreenStone has been a steady partner throughout her journey. 

“They make it easy… Everything is there, and you don’t have to explain farming to them,” said Cassie. “The Patronage program has been very beneficial — it’s nice to get something back that supports the financial health of your operation.” 

Farming for the Next Generation 

 

Looking ahead, Cassie’s goals extend beyond her own success. She and her husband, Jason, who runs his own farm operation, have two young sons, Dean, 5, and Eli, 4. Her hope is to grow her operation and make it viable for years to come — should her children choose to enter the family business and take over where she left off. 

“Farming is just a way of life,” she said. “It’s something that’s born into us. One day, it’d be nice to help them farm and let them be the boss.” 

For Cassie Hribek, farming is about patience, persistence, and pride — honoring the generations that came before her while building something sustainable for the next. Rooted in tradition and driven by determination, she’s proving that with the right support and a clear vision, young farmers can still grow their dreams.

 

To view the article in the online 2026 Spring Partners Magazine, click here.

The phrase “Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made” is a well-known often misattributed aphorism that describes the chaotic, messy, and compromise-driven nature of the legislative process. This phrase suggests that while the final law product may be necessary and beneficial, the process of creating them is unappetizing, involving intense political maneuvering, lobbying, and backroom deals. This is not considered a pleasant job when the guts of the drafts are on the table, and it has been going on for centuries, in some cases creating divisions throughout history. 

Actual sausage making is a natural outcome of efficient butchery which has been practiced for centuries. This also is not a pleasant process that requires strength but was necessary to have humanity survive. There are thousands of types of sausages worldwide, Germany alone boasts having over 1,200 types. With countless variations in spices, meat types, and curing methods, the total number of sausages is almost immeasurable. 

Like sausage, there are thousands of laws that have been enacted over time. These enumerable laws have sustained humanity similarly to the ingesting sausage. Some sausages taste better than others. Call out your own favorite sausage or favorite law and good luck getting a room full of people to agree on either choice. 

What is long underway is the creation of a Farm Bill to replace the expired and outdated 2018 Farm Bill. While many laws impacting agriculture were addressed in the One Big Beautiful Bill, more updates are necessary in what is being referred to as Farm Bill 2.0. Sausage making is currently underway in both chambers of Congress.   

While all 12 titles of the Farm Bill are being addressed by Congress, there are aspects of Title 5, Credit, which are particularly relevant to the Farm Credit System impacting GreenStone. 

• Farm Credit’s top priority: Pass a strong Farm Bill. 

• Producer & Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act: Increase loan limits on FSA direct and guaranteed loan programs to better reflect the increasing costs of purchasing land and operating farms. 

• Farm Credit Administration Independent Authority Act: Ensure the Farm Credit Administration is the primary regulator of Farm Credit System institutions. 

• Investing in Rural America Act: Clarifying Farm Credit institutions’ authority to finance rural community facilities projects and encouraging partnerships on these projects with community banks. 

• FARM Home Loans Act: Modest proposal in line with the spirit of the Farm Credit Act by allowing Farm Credit institutions to serve rural communities with a population of 10,000 or less. 

• USDA Loan Modernization Act: To expand eligibility for direct loans to individuals or entity members that hold at least a 50% interest and that are or will become bona fide operators of the farm real estate acquired, improved, or supported with farm ownership, operating, or emergency loans. 

The expression that laws, like sausages, cease to inspire respect in proportion to how they are made, was popularized in modern context by the industrial, sometimes controversial imagery in Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle”. Laws have been upgraded as has been called for overtime. The Farm Bill 2.0 is one that needs upgrading.  

The comparison to sausage making highlights the fundamental reality of democratic governance to achieve results. Politicians must trade votes, accommodate special interests, and revise initial proposals, sometimes to a point where what comes out is unrecognizable, much like grinding various meat scraps into a single sausage link. As one nation under law, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, sausage making to make the laws remains fundamental, and our voices matter in making them.

 

To view the article in the online 2026 Spring Partners Magazine, click here.

The United States labor economy started off 2026 in a positive direction with 126,000 jobs added in January. This dropped the unemployment rate to 4.3%, an improvement from the last reported information from December 2025 of 4.4%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unfortunately, and somewhat unexpectedly, recently released data from February showed the loss of 92,000 jobs and a return to the unemployment rate of 4.4%. Recall that 2025 data was revised downward to just 181,000 jobs added for the year, an especially weak mark. Health care and social assistance have led job gains while the federal government continued to shed jobs.

Meanwhile, GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2025 was a bit softer than anticipated at an annualized rate of just 0.7% based on the latest report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Some of this was likely attributable to the government shutdown which lasted 43 days from October 1 to November 12. Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, increased 2.4% over the 12 months ending February 2026, and no change from January. This decreased from 2.7% as of December 2025, and 3.0% from a year earlier in January of 2025. The most recent figures may also have been impacted by the government shutdown since data from October was not included in the rate.

Uncertainty was the key word used by the Federal Reserve at the most recent central bank meeting, March 18, during which a vote was held to keep rates unchanged in a range between 3.50% and 3.75%. Labor markets appear fragile, with mixed signals of slowing jobs growth but stable unemployment. Inflation was down early in the year, but concerns have appeared over the implications of the war in Iran and surging oil prices. The Fed must balance a policy aimed at promoting full employment and controlling inflation. With mixed economic signals and uncertain conditions ahead, one quarter-point rate cut is expected for this year after three 25 basis point cuts in 2025. Worth noting as well is the impending change in Fed chair as Jerome Powell will end his eight-year tenure as chair in May.

Tariffs implemented by President Trump in April of 2025 and billed as “Liberation Day” tariffs have been decreased to a temporary flat 15% after the Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling in the case Learning Resources, Inc. V. Trump. The Supreme Court ruled that the President’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was not a constitutionally sound method of implementing tariffs. The ruling was not an indictment of tariffs, nor a statement that the president could not implement tariffs.  Rather, it clarified the president was not authorized to enact tariffs under the IEEPA. The flat rate tariff imposed immediately following the ruling is a temporary tariff imposed under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act which only allows tariffs up to 15% to address balance of payment deficits. There are also additional reporting requirements under this authorization. Many claims have since been filed by importers for reimbursement of the tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.

Corn and Soybeans

The March 10, 2026 U.S.DA WASDE report offered minimal changes for both the corn and soybean markets from the February report. For corn, the most notable update was the increase in world ending stocks, which reached 292.8 million metric tons, exceeding trade expectations and rising from last month’s figure with increases tied to higher production estimates in key exporters such as Brazil and Ukraine. The report emphasized that geopolitical tensions continue to influence commodity flows and trader behavior, with grain markets remaining sensitive to shifting energy prices and trade risks.

Turning to soybeans, the report showed relative stability in U.S. balance sheets but spotlighted global production dynamics, particularly in South America, where Brazil’s soybean harvest is underway and remains a major area of market focus. While the WASDE did not dramatically revise U.S. soybean projections, traders are watching for later‑month updates tied to the March 31 Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks reports, which could provide clearer guidance on acreage shifts and supply outlooks. The broader tone of the WASDE reflected a market caught between ample global supplies, especially in corn, and ongoing uncertainty from global conflicts and weather developments. Analysts noted that even the lack of significant changes can be meaningful, signaling that USDA sees no immediate reason to alter domestic demand or export expectations despite the volatility.

Overall, the March 2026 WASDE reinforced expectations of large world corn supplies, steady but closely watched soybean fundamentals, and a grain complex still highly reactive to geopolitical risk, South American harvest results, and upcoming acreage data, all of which will shape market direction heading into spring.

Dairy

Producers are coming into 2026 with historically strong balance sheets and working capital positions after multiple years of above average profitability. Although income over feed costs using the Dairy Margin Coverage calculation retreated to the lowest levels since August of 2023 in January and February, both Class III and Class IV futures rallied significantly through the rest of 2026 with the resurgence of the nonfat dry milk and butter markets. The 2026 12-month average for Class III and Class IV Milk Futures is $17.23 and $18.85, respectively. Feed prices are also expected to remain below the historical trend based on the current corn and soybean meal futures prices, resulting in anticipated positive margins for the remainder of the year. Beef income from culling cows and selling crossbred calves are still providing significant benefits to dairy producers’ bottom lines. After a fourth quarter decline in calf prices, crossbred calf prices reached new highs in February topping $1,400 per head.

Dairy producers continue to add cows with 189,000 added to the national dairy herd over the last 12 months and growing the total dairy herd to 9.58 million head, a 32-year high. On top of a larger herd, milk yields continue to increase as well. This growth in both milk yields and total cows will continue to require strength in the U.S. Dairy export markets. Today, U.S. butter and cheese prices remain competitive in the global market and exports through January are strong with an 11% year-over-year (YOY) increase in cheese exports and butter exports up 187% YOY.

New facilities, low feed costs, high beef revenue, risk management programs and the recent surge in milk prices providing economic incentives for producers to continue boosting milk output will likely slow any sort of transition from expansion to contraction.

Pork

Through the first two months of 2026, the optimism that producers carried into the year regarding continued stronger lean hog prices and profit potential has been supported and the outlook for the year remains positive. Lean hog futures and the Lean Hog Index have sustained a rally through the first quarter which as of the date of this writing, March 10, 2026, futures contracts are trading at or near contract highs and $10-$15 per cwt. above year-end contract prices. The Lean Hog Index is also back above $90 per cwt. for the first time since October. Market hog prices and outlook have resulted in record-high prices being paid in the first quarter for both weaned pigs and feeder pigs. Packer margins have remained positive despite higher hog prices due to a strengthening wholesale carcass value (“Cut-Out”) which increased back above $100 per cwt. and back to prior year levels in early March. Some packers are working to increase daily processing capacity and are offering contracts to additional producers which has a positive impact on price and/or transportation costs for those farms. Both domestic and export demand remain strong, providing support for pork and hog prices while supplies remain fairly tight.

Feed prices have remained low enough to provide good margin opportunities but remain a threat and have increased recently on geopolitical risk and unfavorable weather in South America increasing ingredient costs, especially corn. There is little expansion going on in the industry despite the positive news above given persistent risks around disease, labor availability, and high construction costs. PEDv and PRRS remain two of the primary disease risks, with a new strain of PRRS impacting production during the first quarter in Ohio and Indiana. Risk of foreign animal disease remains as well, with increased African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in the European Union, particularly in Spain.

The industry continues to focus on biosecurity measures as the primary protection against disease risk. If these price trends continue and farms can remain healthy, there is a good opportunity to follow a good year in 2025 with a second this year.

 

To view the rest of the 2026 spring Partner articles please click here.

Time continues to fly by for me as I am sure it does for our extremely busy members. It doesn’t get busier than this time of year for our farmer members in the fields or our country living customers excited to start their spring plans or new home construction.  

There’s been a long list of events over the last three months that have kept our team quite busy, but every time we welcome customers to one of those events we get the chance to learn from you all – through your interaction, your engagement and comments, your ideas and concerns, and your personal stories. These opportunities and events are what make GreenStone, your financial cooperative, a special place to work and do business. 

I’m so proud of the value my teammates live by each day – the relationships they build with each of you and the expertise they share to support your goals. Over the last few months we’ve been busy with what we fondly refer to as “meeting season.” It’s a time when many of our members are just a little less busy, and therefore we help to fill that time with information, resources and knowledge. This season GreenStone hosted more than 20 educational opportunities for members and prospective customers. That’s on top of the always special Patronage Day, and our engagement in many industry tradeshows, community events, and several other initiatives we help with throughout our territory. I know you have many opportunities to learn and grow each year, and we thank you for prioritizing our events as valuable to you!  

I won’t belabor the point too much, but to help showcase the breadth and depth of our team’s efforts, here’s a few examples of what we had going on in the first quarter: 

• Agricultural producer forums and dairy connect events where members gained insights to help them plan strategically through market updates, risk management options, and practical tools.  

• In-person and virtual timber forums focused on planning, industry issues, business management, and legislative initiatives. 

• In-person and virtual construction seminars where attendees walked through the ins and outs of the details and choices involved in the process of building their dream home. 

• A two-day conference focused on networking and information sharing for young, beginning, and small farmers. 

And of course, to top it all off was our 21st Patronage Day when we hosted more than 5,000 members at our branches and returned a record $125 million of our profits right back to you – our member-owners! Stepping up means more than $125 million back, it’s our continued growth alongside our members and relationships built for over a century. No matter the season, we remain committed to being your reliable financial partner. 

That commitment is further highlighted in the annual report you should have recently received! The report demonstrates the resilience and commitment of both your cooperative’s members and employees. Our culture is built on a foundation of strong relationships with our member-owners, and that commitment remains steady regardless of the economic cycle. Our focus remains on maintaining open communication with our members and delivering financial solutions tailored for each of their unique needs. Highlights of the 2025 annual report include: 

• Net Income of $270 million 

• Total Assets of $16 billion 

• Total Loan Growth of 5.4% 

• Outreach support of approximately $1.5 million 

• More than 12,700 hours volunteered 

Your cooperative had an outstanding 2025 and we are ready to continue our success in 2026 and beyond. Like always, for us to accomplish this, we need your assistance with a couple very important items. 

First, it’s time for our annual customer satisfaction survey, which helps us gather valuable feedback on our members’ overall experience with the cooperative. Aa randomly selected group of members should have received the survey. 

Conducted each year, this survey measures customer satisfaction, loyalty, perceptions of our products and services, and changes in service over time. The insights we receive not only reflect our members’ current perspectives but also highlight positive trends and opportunities for improvement, helping GreenStone continue to enhance our customer experience. 

Secondly, our election ballots will be sent on May 4. All regions will be electing our nominating committees, and regions 4 and 5 will also have director elections this year. Please be on the lookout for your ballots and don’t forget to vote before the June 9 deadline. 

Best wishes for a safe and successful spring planting season. Please feel free to reach out to me any time if I can ever be of assistance. 

As always, thank you for feeding me, my family and the world, and thank you for your membership. 

 

To view the article in the online 2026 Spring Partners Magazine, click here.

The 2026 MI GreenStone PAC contribution campaign brought in over $26,000 from more than 250 Michigan GreenStone customers. This is another strong representation of the support members have for the MI GreenStone PAC. Your board of directors and management team are diligently evaluating legislative leaders and will be sharing the importance of rural communities, agriculture, and Farm Credit System with elected officials.   

The WI Farm Credit PAC contribution campaign received over $1,500 from Wisconsin GreenStone customers. These important WI Farm Credit PAC funds will also be disbursed by your board directors and management team in coordination after an evaluation process.     

The AgriBank District 2026 Farm Credit PAC drive competition brought in over $27,000 in contributions and these funds are used to support federally elected officials. A portion of the Farm Credit PAC funds will be allocated to the GreenStone territory and your board members and management team will assist in the delivery and communication of the Farm Credit message.   

As the election season marches closer, we are well positioned to carry the messages of Farm Credit and our members in rural communities and agriculture. In fact, the work has already begun with delivery of PAC checks in Michigan and Wisconsin. Our success will be determined by the strength of the relationships we have with elected officials, and that is why your support of the PACs is so important.  

Thank you for being a champion of our communities and the agricultural industry. Be on the look-out for opportunities to be involved in legislative visits at our branches!

 

To view the article in the online 2026 Spring Partners Magazine, click here.

When the Thielens originally set out to build their dream home, they never imagined they would find it instead! Justin and his wife, Amy, and their three young children, were looking forward to a new home with lots of space and plenty of land to spend time outdoors on. Having previously financed a thirty-acre recreational property with GreenStone, the Thielens were already familiar with working with the GreenStone team.

A Change of Plans

“We initially planned to build a custom home, and since we had worked with GreenStone on financing land before, it just made sense to finance the construction of our home with them too,” explained Justin. The Thielens began preparing to sell their current home and spent close to a year preparing for the construction of their new home. “We had already developed the layout and design of the home. We even went through contractor bidding prices and were very close to breaking ground when our plans changed.”

While they were searching for the right parcel of land to build their home on, the Thielens stumbled upon a home listing located in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. “We saw the property online and went out to look at it right away. As soon as we saw it, we realized this home would meet our needs better than building a home could,” said Amy.

They made the call and quickly pivoted to purchasing the home with financing through GreenStone. “We were able to transition our construction loan to a home loan. We weren’t expecting to find a home instead, but once we realized how strong of a fit the property was, we knew we had to act fast,” said Justin.

The Property of a Lifetime

The home sits on forty acres of secluded property, offering around 28 acres of tillable land, 10 acres of private woods, and a spacious yard. The long, winding driveway up to the property ensures plenty of privacy. Situated around thirty minutes from family and work for both Justin and Amy, the location is ideal.

The home is 3,200 square feet, with a main living area upstairs, and large, open kitchen and dining area, perfect for hosting family gatherings. “I have a large family, so one of the things I’m looking forward to most is hosting in our new home and having plenty of room for everyone,” said Amy.

“The opportunity to purchase a property on a large, contiguous piece of land was just too rare to pass up,” remarked Justin. “That was one of our biggest goals when looking for a property. We wanted to find a property that would allow us to enjoy peace, quiet, and privacy.”

When that reality came to fruition, the Thielens quickly reached out to their financial services officer, Jordan Hendrian, who got right to work on transitioning their construction loan to a home loan. 

“The whole experience working with Jordan was hands-off,” said Justin. “We were surprised how minimal the back and forth was after we transitioned over to a home loan. There really wasn’t a lot of extra documentation required.”

“It was really cool to see Justin and Amy go from a long-time dream of building their own home to finding such a beautiful property that fit their family so well listed on the market,” said Jordan. “This is going to be a great property to raise their kids on and will have plenty of room for dirt biking, hunting, and all of the other family activities that they were looking forward to.”

Turning Dreams to Reality

Due to the amount of acreage, the Thielen’s property also required a unique appraisal process, which GreenStone worked through with them. “Despite it being a more unique situation, they took the time to work with us and maintained clear, proactive communication throughout the appraisal process,” said Justin. 

The entire process of purchasing the home from the time the Thielens first looked at the property to the time they closed was about 60 days. “The fact that Jordan and the GreenStone team were able to pivot so quickly after we had been planning for construction instead of a home loan was amazing. There was even an extra thirty days in the closing process just to allow time for the sellers to find their next home. I felt like Jordan’s goal really was to help us secure our dream home no matter what,” the Thielens agreed.

Another key decision that led Justin and Amy to continue working with GreenStone is the benefit of Patronage – a return of a portion of GreenStone’s profits back to its members. “We had been receiving Patronage checks already because of our land loan, so that gave us all the more reason to continue working with GreenStone. It’s a significant financial benefit that we wanted to keep taking advantage of.”

Enjoying Endless Possibilities

As the Thielens make their new home “home,” they are most excited for the possibilities and potential that comes with the property. “There are endless opportunities here for our family, whether it’s our kids raising 4H animals, Justin hunting on the property, or just us enjoying it as a family,” said Amy. 

“When we first started this journey, we had no idea our dream home already existed. We were sure we would have to build it,” said the Thielens. “We weren’t even really looking for this property, it just kind of found us!” they laughed.

“Without the support of GreenStone, I’m not sure we would have been able to pivot so quickly to purchase this property,” said Justin. With endless possibilities ahead of them, the Thielens look forward to all the opportunities their forever home will bring their family.

 

To view the rest of the 2026 spring Partners articles please click here.

By the time you read this, the “official” start of spring on March 20 is well behind us. Here in Michigan, that date often means very little in the big picture and this year was so different, as we were once again still shaking off the last of the winter snow and enduring those stubborn April flakes. But for the Michigan outdoorsman, spring doesn’t arrive with a date on a calendar—it arrives with the opening of turkey season.

The 2026 spring season kicks off on April 18 for many hunters across the state. It’s a tradition that has grown into a significant success story since Michigan’s first modern spring hunt in 1968. What started with just a few hundred birds harvested has blossomed into a premier hunting event, with roughly 37,000 birds taken last spring alone.

It is easy to take these numbers for granted, but the resurgence of the wild turkey is one of the more impressive turnarounds in our state’s history. At the turn of the 20th century, you couldn’t find a wild turkey anywhere in Michigan due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the Department of Conservation (now the DNR) purchased 50 birds from Pennsylvania and released them in Allegan County. From those original 50, our population has expanded to over 200,000 birds today, proving that these birds are as resilient as the hunters who chase them.

Part of that resilience comes from the turkey’s incredible senses. A wild turkey has a field of vision of about 270 degrees and can detect the slightest movement from hundreds of yards away. Their hearing is equally sharp; a tom can pinpoint the exact location of a hen’s yelp from half a mile off through thick timber. Although at times turkeys can seem rather oblivious, when threatened or on high alert their senses make them very difficult to hunt.

Spring is a time of rebirth, when the woods finally come alive. The dark grey landscape starts to pop with color and rings with one of the best sounds in nature: the echoing gobble of a tom turkey. Whether you are in the Upper Peninsula, the northern lower, or southern Michigan, these birds are out there, each region offering its own unique set of challenges.

Birds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan can be harder to find, but because they aren’t as densely concentrated they can sometimes be called in a little easier. The northern lower, for many years, was considered the best spot for huntable birds, but the population has slowly shifted toward the “land of plenty” in the southern lower. However, more birds doesn’t equate to an easy hunt. In the southern regions, getting a tom to leave his “harem” of ladies for a hunter’s call is a challenge, to say the least. But that’s exactly what makes turkey hunting so great—you’re in a conversation with a bird, trying to get him to do the exact opposite of what nature intended.

Typically, a tom or jake gobbles from his roost to let the hens know where he is, and the hens come to him. As hunters, we try to sound like a lonely hen to lure the male toward us. Essentially, turkey hunting is like a junior high dance: the boys are desperate to find a girl, and the sound of a call might just coax him over to take a look. But the ladies hold all the cards—a hen may decide to leave the dance at any moment, pulling every tom in the area along with her.

In this dance, your call is often more important than how good you sound. Whether you’re using a box call, a slate, or a mouth call, they all have their place in this ever-changing ritual. It’s hard to describe the joy of chasing these birds. But when the dance is played just right and the conversation goes well, it’s as good as a spring morning can be in Michigan’s great outdoors!

 

To view the rest of the 2026 spring Partners articles please click here.

Livestock producers face constant market volatility, from shifting milk and cattle prices to tightening margins and unpredictable inputs. GreenStone helps producers prepare for uncertainty by providing its livestock insurance customers with a powerful suite of tools and expert resources designed to support informed decision making — available to both current dairy and livestock insurance customers and anyone applying for coverage.

“If you complete an application with GreenStone, these are all the things you get free access to without paying a single dollar,” said Ben Mahlich, senior vice president of insurance at GreenStone. “Some customers are paying over $10,000 a year for this same information—and ours is free.”

At the core of GreenStone’s offering is access to the Livestock Insurance Analyzer, a robust digital platform that allows producers to quickly analyze Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) options, track endorsement purchases, and model customized “what if” scenarios based on price movements and coverage levels. Producers can also view historical pricing and monitor potential revenue floors, helping them align coverage decisions with their operational goals.

For added convenience, the Livestock Insurance Analyzer is available as a mobile app, enabling producers to manage insurance decisions anytime, anywhere. From requesting coverage and tracking endorsements to setting price alerts, the app streamlines the process and keeps critical information at your fingertips—whether you’re in the office or out in the barn.

“It’s more than just the analyzer and the app—it’s the market intelligence, the weekly update emails, the daily text alerts, and the industry updates,” Ben said.

GreenStone also provides free bi-weekly dairy marketing video calls covering topics like DRP and LRP, premium levels vs. risk, and key economic indicators for dairy and livestock prices. Cattle producers receive weekly cattle market video calls focused on price drivers, risk considerations, and near term market outlooks. These sessions help break down complex market dynamics and provide context for insurance and marketing decisions, offering real world insights that go beyond a static report.

Producers also receive bi weekly emails summarizing market trends and daily text updates with timely pricing information. Together, these communications help ensure producers are never caught off guard by sudden market shifts and can act quickly when opportunities arise.

The most valuable advantage GreenStone offers to dairy and livestock customers is access to dedicated livestock insurance agents who focus exclusively on dairy and livestock risk management. These specialists work one on one with producers to explain coverage options, help align insurance strategies with business goals, and provide ongoing support throughout the year. Through brokerage partnerships, GreenStone can also extend additional market access and pricing insight, giving producers more flexibility and choice. In today’s fast-moving dairy and livestock markets, having insurance coverage is essential—but having the right tools and expert support can make all the difference. With its combination of advanced digital tools, expert market intelligence, and specialized agents, GreenStone empowers producers to manage risk with confidence.

 

To view the rest of the 2026 spring Partners articles please click here.

Farmers are no strangers to change and adaptation. For Paul Schmidt of Schimdt’s Ponderosa, each season of life, and farming, has brought about changes requiring transition and readjustment. He grew up in Bonduel, Wis., with seven siblings, and started farming with his parents right out of high school.

When his father passed away in 1985, Paul, his mother Louise, and three of his siblings took on the responsibility of operating the farm. “By 1998, we were milking around 100 cows, which is double the amount my parents had started with. At this point we knew we needed to start expanding our infrastructure to support the growth of the farm.”

Embracing this new season of change, Paul, his mother, two of his brothers, Ronald and Steven, and their sister Janet, who all owned the farm at the time, began focusing on plans for expansion to grow their herd and improve their facilities. That’s when they reached out to GreenStone. “One of my sisters-in-law actually worked for GreenStone at the time, so that’s how we got connected to our local branch.”

The Start of a Strong Partnership

Paul and his siblings began working with the GreenStone team in Clintonville, Wis. to secure financing for the expansion of the farm. “When we started working with GreenStone, we were able to construct a new free stall barn and a double-12 milking parlor, allowing for two dozen cows at a time to be milked.” This expansion allowed them to grow their herd to about 500 cows.

“I remember our mother always being very supportive of the decisions my siblings and I were making to expand our operation and continue growing it. I think she could have been very hesitant to keep making these big changes, but she trusted us to make the best decisions for the farm,” he reflected.

In the early 2000s, Paul and his wife, Renee, entered another season of change when they officially purchased the family farm from his sister Janet and brothers Ronald and Steven.

“The dairy industry was rapidly expanding in the late 1990s and early 2000s,” explained Paul. This growth and demand required constant reinvestment in both their facilities and herd size, and they continued to work with GreenStone on the growth of their operation.

With Paul’s focus on the daily operations and strategic expansion of the farm, there became less and less time available to dedicate to the farm’s financials.

He had previously worked with another accounting firm, and his brother Ronald was also helping out with the bookkeeping, but it just wasn’t efficient.

In 2002, Paul reached out to GreenStone to start getting help with the farm’s taxes. “That’s what really changed things for us,” he said.

Streamlined Services for an Efficient Operation

Twenty-four years later, Paul is still utilizing GreenStone’s tax, accounting, and payroll services, and now works with the GreenStone team out of the Little Chute, Wis. branch as well. “What I like about working with GreenStone is everything works together. They already handle all my financing, so it just made sense to have them handle our accounting work as well. Instead of going back and forth with a separate lender or accountant, GreenStone already has all our financial information.”

Through utilizing both GreenStone’s lending and financial services, Schmidt’s Ponderosa has been able to diversify and maintain steady growth over the years. Paul and his three sons, Matthew, Peter, and Andrew now manage the farm which is milking around 2,000 cows and has expanded into embryo work for raising their own replacement stock.

The Schmidt’s tax accountant, Eric Vandivier, has been working with them for over a decade. Every two weeks, he makes a trip out to the farm to handle payroll for the farm’s 18 employees. “I’ve enjoyed watching their operation grow over the years and just visiting them in general. We’ve developed a great relationship, and I enjoy playing a part in helping everything run smoothly.”

“Working with Eric is great because he fully understands the agriculture industry. Just having someone who knows the ins and outs of our business is essential,” remarked Paul. “It’s saved us time, and we don’t have the stress of trying to do all the paperwork and payroll ourselves.”

A Vision for the Future

As Schmidt’s Ponderosa continues to grow, Paul is reminded of when he and his siblings began expanding the farm with the support of their mother. Now, it’s his three sons that are leading the charge on improved operations and continued growth.

“Our focus remains on sustainable growth in the future,” said Paul. “Now that my sons are starting to get more involved with the farm, they’re starting to discuss ways we can continue to expand our operation.

Paul says he recognizes that each generation of a family farm must continue growing the operation for it to remain viable. “We as farmers know what it means to adapt and change with the cycles and market shifts. I think we all are striving to do the best we can for future generations.”

One thing has remained throughout the many shifts and seasons of change Paul has seen in his time farming – GreenStone’s committed support. “The support we’ve gotten through GreenStone from the very beginning to where we are today has helped us continue to evolve throughout the years. I’m looking forward to seeing how our farm will continue to grow through the next generation as well.”

 

To view the rest of the 2026 spring Partners articles please click here.